It's late afternoon on this 53rd Day of  The Red Shoe Project.  Yes, my car is back from the auto shop and all is well!  I have pulled off the road and into a Starbucks to sit awhile before my next Divine Appointment.  It's beautiful outside.  I have kicked back in my RED slip ons, under a green umbrella, and am typing away on my laptop. What shall we talk about today?

Earlier in the day, I read something online about being judgmental... of churches... of Christians... of people in general.  I get that people can be passionate about sharing their wisdom with others... especially if they have learned the lesson themselves, "the hard way".  I know that I'd  love to see others learn from my mistakes and not have to go through all the difficulty of figuring it out on their own.  Learning "the hard way" can be costly!  What price did you pay to learn that last difficult, (but valuable), lesson?  Was your bank account depleted?  Your reputation kicked down a notch?  Maybe it cost you a treasured friendship? Or perhaps you spent way too much time going down the wrong path of discovery?  Yeah, we'd all like to help someone we care about "get it" a little quicker and without losing the shirt off their backs. But you know what?  I've rarely learned those "big" lessons from others, so I'm not sure why I'm so adamant about others learning them from me?  I've determined to let go of that.  Most often, I think people have to learn for themselves.  And when it comes to our grown up kids...

We should be careful not to rob them 

of figuring it out for themselves. 

Learning it  "the hard way" has great value.

 It's where the passion is injected.

Personally, I find it difficult these days to find the time to focus on what others should be doing.  I'm way too busy keeping myself in order.  LOL!  Seriously, I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing... and that's time consuming in and of itself.  Who has time to worry about how You should be doing something differently?  Not me.

Ok... so believe me when I say that I'm not trying to be insensitive here. I have found, however, (looking back over my 30 years as a Believer), when I have judged someone, rarely did I have all the   information necessary to make an adequate assessment.  There were times that I jumped the gun and thought I understood the scope of it all, only to discover later that I really didn't have a clue. On occasion, I was so far removed from the playing field, that I should have kept my ignorant comments to myself.  Have you  heard the term, Arm  Chair Quarterback?  or perhaps  Back Seat Driver?  Yikes! How often have I spouted my thoughts from the back seat?  and without a driver's license no less?  Not to mention that, at the time, I never thought that I didn't know what I was talking about.  In fact, quite the opposite.  I believed my opinion was right!

It's amazing how I can give great advice without having any real experience on a matter.  God has often taken care of that by "Putting the shoe on the other foot"...  On my foot that is.  That's right,  I thought I had all the answers until one day, quite unexpectedly, I found myself in that very same situation, that I had so easily judged someone else.  How humbling that can be!  That's when "my eyes were opened" and I really "got it!"  I've always been deeply grieved over those eye opening lessons.  I've found myself repenting and asking God for forgiveness.  I'm usually quiet for a long time after that.
I become a better observer... a better listener... a better understander... a better sympathizer.  It didn't take many of those lessons to change my way to God's way.

In scripture (Matthew 7:1-6),  Jesus exhorts me not to judge others of their issues,  (which He points out are rather small in comparison to mine), but instead to focus my attention on working through what's on my own plate.   Hmmmm

Yes... focusing on the issues of others can be a great distraction from what's going on in My life! But working on Your  issues doesn't help Me a bit!  Before God... You are responsible for your stuff, and I am responsible for my stuff. So I've got a lot of work to do.  Should you want my advice... don't hesitate to ask.  But even then...  I encourage you to go to God for your direction and guidance. Not only does He have all the answers, but He knows you and your situation better than even you do, yourself.

So I'm off to ponder these thoughts for myself,  praying that I'll be more loving and patient with my kids, my friends, and those around me.  Meanwhile, I'm slipping my RED Shoes back on, and heading back on the road for whatever God has in store for me next.

Love you all!
Gail

Day 52

Day 52 of  The Red Shoe Project found me in my RED shoes and on the road again! My car broke down, well over a week ago, 70 miles from home, and has been sitting in the auto body shop, waiting for a part.

 I must admit, spending all this time with God, has effected my "Worry Time" significantly.  It's almost non-existent.  I have been putting things that are beyond my control in His hands, and trusting that He will work things out on my behalf. Philippians 4:6-8 says...

"Don't worry!  Instead, step into your secret place and 

talk to God about all the things that concern you. 

Know that He is waiting there, with open arms, 

ready to listen. Be thankful ahead of time, 

for He will fill your heart and mind with such a peace, 

that you will realize, beyond a shadow of a doubt, 

that all is in His control. With that said, 

there's nothing really to worry about!"

My dear friend, Bonnie, has transported me back North where I hope to finally pick up my car tomorrow. As we drove together on the highway.  I thought about how blessed I am for the many new friends God is bringing into my life.  It appears that He is building a team.

I'm so glad that He's the one building the team.  For only He knows exactly who I need around me in order to fulfill His highest purpose.  As I glance to my right and to my left, I notice that He is bringing in some "heavy hitters"... Humble but Powerful.  Soft in spirit, but Driven to their knees. Mild tempered but Radiantly gifted.  Self denying and Hungry for more of Him. 

Everyone on this team will be treasured for who they are in Christ and the gifts that they bring to the table.  As individuals working together, we will do so much more than what we could ever do on our own. And as a team that's "Divinely Connected" with Christ... All things are possible, for His Glory!

As for today, it's just Bonnie and I, heading down the highway, Lifting up God, Testifying of His Goodness, and Believing Together for His perfect will (whatever that may be), to be accomplished! I love not having to travel down this Yellow Brick Road alone.  For I know all too well that...

"Two are better than one... and 

A three-fold cord is not easily broken."

Ecclesiastes 4: 9a, 12b

My traveling companion brings with her experience, strength, joy, laughter, wisdom, courage and...

dancing! 

So,  "We're off to see "
what God has in store!

Wearing my Ruby Slippers,

Gail

Day 51

On Day 51 of  The Red Shoe Project,  I am taking a moment to sit down, in my RED shoes, and remember why I started this journey.  The seed was planted several years ago when I found a book in a bargain bin for $2.  It was the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  I took it home and read it.

One of the chapters that captivated me most was where Dorothy is delivered to the Witch's castle by the flying monkeys. The witch is terrified when she sees Dorothy standing before her in the powerful Ruby Slippers. Yes... It's The Witch that's terrified! But then she realizes that Dorothy doesn't understand the magic of the shoes. So she commands Dorothy to do whatever she's told. That's right... out of ignorance, Dorothy becomes her slave.


I remember reading that and making the parallel in my mind of Dorothy and the Ruby Slippers to The Christian and The Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ, we have the Power and Presence of the Almighty God in our life. Scripture tells us in Romans 8:11...

...the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, 

dwells in us!   

So why then do we so easily succumb to 

sin?  the world?  the enemy of our soul?

It's just not right!  It ought not to be!

I have this picture, in my mind that continually haunts me.  It's a woman who finds a beautifully wrapped gift.  She opens it up to find the most magnificent pair of magical RED shoes. Tossing the directions aside, she takes them from the box and places them on her feet.  She's overheard people talk about "the magical shoes", but she, herself is perplexed as to how they work or what they actually do.  

She spends hours trying to figure them out. In her weariness and frustration, she ends up taking one of them off her feet and starts banging it on the table.  Still... nothing! Eventually, she slips the shoe back on her foot, slouches back in her chair to rest and, accidentally, clicks her heels together.  Poof! she disappears. 

I've come to realize that the person in this dream is Me. 

So I started this year off in RED shoes.  Everyday I put them on as a VISUAL REMINDER that God's Presence and Power is in my life. I look for The Holy Spirit every day, and blog on my observations, thoughts and experiences. O.k.  so I know what some of you are thinking... "Gail, have you picked up the instruction manual this time? " Yes I have.  As I  travel along this Yellow Brick Road, I am studying the best authority there is on The Holy Spirit... the Bible.  

I'm learning a lot!  One of the KEY things that I've discovered is that although I'm really just wearing ordinary RED shoes everyday...  they are magically transforming my life!  Yes... Of course I know that the "magic" or "power" is not in the shoes themselves, but in the fact that I'm looking for God's power and presence continually, BUT... putting the shoes on everyday is a crucial component.  I love that term, "VISUAL REMINDER".  Without the shoes, it would be so easy to forget to look... to fail to notice... to overlook... to get distracted by all the other things!  And then what?  Nothing. I will have missed it!  I will have missed Him... God!  Quite frankly, on any given day, if God is showing up in my life, I don't want to miss that!   And I'm just realizing that God has showed up... many, many times... and I have missed Him!

Consistency is also part of the magic.  Consistency is doing the same thing, the same way, over and over again.  Wearing the shoes, consistently, day after day, (never missing even one), causes me to look for Him, day after day, (never missing even one). The Bible promises...

"You will seek me and find me 

when you search for me with all your heart.  

I will be found by you declares the Lord!"

Jeremiah 29:13-14a

So every day...

•  I put on The shoes, 
• and I look for God
• until I find Him.

I'm hoping that some of you might travel this Yellow Brick Road with me.  Even if it's just for a day, here and there. Pop on your RED shoes, look for Him, and tell me about it! I want to hear from you.

Now, I'm not saying to throw on your most stunning RED stilettos like it's some kind of  fashion show!  Trust me, the temptation to strut around in fancy RED footwear for a day, without Divine Purpose, will try to arise.  You must partner the Shoes with the"Search for Him". 

Finally, you must journal your findings before you go to sleep.  That's how it works!

Trust me.  You won't be disappointed,

And I will delight in your company!

Gail

Day 50

Day 50 of  The Red Shoe Project will go down in His story as "Angie's Day".  Let me tell you about it from my perspective.  I woke up this morning with a song on my lips.  (Actually, it was just a sentence of a song).  It kept going through my mind so I opened my mouth and started to sing it.

Your name...
It's a strong and mighty tower.
Your name...


I couldn't remember any more... so I just kept singing that part of it, over and over and over again.  I tried to stop thinking about it.  I moved on to other things that I had to do.  But there it was again, relentlessly creeping back into the forefront of my mind.  So I slipped on my RED SHOES, and headed out the door to walk the dog. I was barely awake.  I'm not sure I could have even told you my name at that early hour, but there I was singing...

Your name...
It's a strong and mighty tower.
Your name...
la la la la la la la la...

I'm walking. I'm singing. The more I sing, the stronger the presence of God manifests in my heart. The next thing you know...  I'm walking,  I'm singing,  and now I'm crying!  The thought crosses my mind, "I'm out in the neighborhood, walking my dog, and I'm having a glorious GOD encounter!  How bizarre is that? Most people just go out and walk the dog, but I'm out here falling apart (in a great way), singing a song!"  LOL. (Yeah... I know how it sounds... but I'm just telling you the way it happened).

I got back into my house and headed for the computer.  I couldn't wait any longer.  What was the rest of that song?  I had to know.  There it was. I clicked on it, sat down, and melted some more as I listened.  (Take a look for yourself).

Your name...
It's a strong and mighty tower.
Your name...
It's a shelter like no other.
Your name...
Let the nations sing it louder,
cause nothing has the power to save...
but Your name.

As much as I wanted to linger in that moment, there was no time.  My ride for Bible Study was here. I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door, hoping I had everything I needed. There was my good friend, greeting me with the joy of the Lord.  As we drove off, I pulled my Bible from my purse and declared, "You drive. I have to look something up!" I filled her in on "the song" and did a quick Bible study of my own.

Acts 4:12 says this, regarding Jesus...

"Salvation is found in no one else 

for there is no other name under heaven given to men 

by which we must be saved."

Fast forward. We arrive at  the Bible Study.  Note: This is the same Bible Study that I talked about last week, where I experienced the "Beach of Liquid Glory" (see Day 43 - Feb 13).  Ever since Kam started arriving an hour early to the study to pray... things have gotten "glorious"! Our study has moved to a whole new level.

So we're all sitting there in a circle. I can feel myself being pulled into that place of glory once again.  (That's ok.  I really don't mind at all!)  One of the gals shares that she has met someone who wants to know more about Jesus.  So she just asks us straight out... "What verse do I need to show them about salvation?"  My hand goes up.  "Acts 4:12" (See above)

We begin to talk and testify and look deeper into God's Word on the matter. Sitting in the seat across from me is Angie.  She is just filled with tears.  Someone asks her... "What's wrong?"  She just nods her head back and forth, "Nothing."  It's all good.  I get it... cause I, too, am filled with tears.  I'm just trying to stay with the group.  The presence of God is so powerful in that place, one could easily get swept away.  But the sister persists... "What's wrong?  Why are you crying?  Tell us what's happening to you."

Are you ready for this?  Trying to hold it all together, Angie opens her mouth and mutters... "I don't know why I'm crying... God just keeps telling me, YOU NEED TO BE SAVED!"

The next 30 seconds are a bit of a blur.  How so much can happen in that short of a period of time, I'll never know. But long story short, Angie prayed and asked Jesus into her heart.  God saved her.  Within minutes her whole countenance changed to joy.  She was glowing with the Love of God!

I asked out loud, "What's today's date?"
"February 19th," someone replied.  
"From now on, February 19th will be known as "Angie's Day."

Here's what God's Word says happens when someone gives their life to the Lord:

"The angels of God rejoice and celebrate 

whenever someone repents of their sins"

Luke 15:10

Eventually, the study came to an end, but everyone didn't run off in different directions, as usual. Instead, we gathered in the bookstore cafe, pushed several tables together, and enjoyed lunch.  It was time to celebrate.  "A new name was written down in glory!"  As the old time chorus goes:

There's a new name written down in glory,

and it's mine, oh yes it's mine.

The white robed angel tells the story,

A sinner has come home!

There's a new name written down in glory,

and it's mine, oh yes it's mine.

With my sins forgiven, I am bound for Heaven,

never more to roam.

Eventually, we said our goodbyes, went our own ways, and took along with us the excitement of it all.  But how can one stay quiet about that?  Throughout the day, I continued to testify of  this amazing thing that God had done.  You know... we're just a group of women, gathering together to study the Word of God, in a little room, in the back corner of a bookstore.  But, without fail, God meets us there. What can I say?

Every day in RED shoes is a Good Day...

but TODAY... well, Today was EXTRA Special! It was "Angie's Day."

Gail